Characterizing Counterion-Dependent Aggregation of Rhodamine B by Classical Molecular Dynamics Simulations

The aggregation in a solution of charged dyes such as Rhodamine B (RB) is significantly affected by the type of counterion, which can determine the self-assembled structure that in turn modulates the optical properties. RB aggregation can be boosted by hydrophobic and bulky fluorinated tetraphenylborate counterions, such as F5TPB, with the formation of nanoparticles whose fluorescence quantum yield (FQY) is affected by the degree of fluorination. Here, we developed a classical force field (FF) based on the standard generalized Amber parameters that allows modeling the self-assembling process of RB/F5TPB systems in water, consistent with experimental evidence. Namely, the classical MD simulations employing the re-parametrized FF reproduce the formation of nanoparticles in the RB/F5TPB system, while in the presence of iodide counterions, only RB dimeric species can be formed. Within the large, self-assembled RB/F5TPB aggregates, the occurrence of an H-type RB-RB dimer can be observed, a species that is expected to quench RB fluorescence, in agreement with the experimental data of FQY. The outcome provides atomistic details on the role of the bulky F5TPB counterion as a spacer, with the developed classical FF representing a step towards reliable modeling of dye aggregation in RB-based materials

Characterization of Coupled Ground State and Excited State Equilibria by Fluorescence Spectral Deconvolution

Fluorescence probes with multiparametric response based on the relative variation in the intensities of several emission bands are of great general utility. An accurate interpretation of the system requires the determination of the number, positions and intensities of the spectral components. We have developed a new algorithm for spectral deconvolution that is applicable to fluorescence probes exhibiting a two-state ground-state equilibrium and a two-state excited-state reaction. Three distinct fluorescence emission bands are resolved, with a distribution of intensities that is excitation-wavelength-dependent. The deconvolution of the spectrum into individual components is based on their representation as asymmetric Siano-Metzler log-normal functions. The application of the algorithm to the solvation response of a 3-hydroxychromone (3HC) derivative that exhibits an H-bonding-dependent excited-state intramolecular proton transfer (ESIPT) reaction allowed the separation of the spectral signatures characteristic of polarity and hydrogen bonding. This example demonstrates the ability of the method to characterize two potentially uncorrelated parameters characterizing dye environment and interactions

Комплексоутворення калікс[4]аренгідроксиметил-фосфонової кислоти з триптофаном та N-aцетил-триптофанамідом

The Host-Guest complexation of calixarene hydroxymethylphosphonic acid with tryptophan and N-acetyltryptophan amide has been investigated by the RP HPLC method in H2O/MeCN (99/1) solution (column support Hypersil CN, UV-detector, λ = 254 nm). Adsorption of calixarene hydroxymethylphosphonic acid on the Hypersil CN surface has been studied. It has been found that hydroxymethylphosphonic acid is characterized by reversible sorption on the Hypersil CN surface. The binding constants (KA = 23000 M-1 and 39000 M-1 for tryptophan and N-acetyltryptophan amide, respectively) of the supramolecular complexes have been calculated from the ratio between the capacity factors k’ of the Guest and the calixarene hydroxymethylphosphonic acid Host concentration in the mobile phase. The Gibbs free energies of the tryptophan and N-acetyltryptophan amide complexes are -24.84 and -26.15 kJ/mol, respectively. The molecular modelling of calixarene hydroxymethylphosphonic acid and its complexes with tryptophan and N-acetyltryptophan amide (Hyper Chem, version 8, force field PM3) has indicated that the complexes are stabilized by hydrogen bonds, electrostatic, π-π, and solvatophobic interactions. The geometric parameters of the energy minimized calixarene macrocycle and its complexes with tryptophan and N-acetyltryptophan amide have been calculated. According to the calculations it has been shown that the Host-Guest complexation does not change the flattened-cone conformation of calixarene. Finally, the inverse correlation has been found between the KA values of the complexes and the Log P values of the guest molecules.Методом ОФ ВЭЖХ исследован процесс комплексообразования типа Хозяин-Гость каликсаренгидроксиметилфосфоновой кислоты с триптофаном и N-aцетил-триптофанамидом в растворе H2O/MeCN (99/1) (насадка Hypersil CN, УФ-детектор, λ = 254 нм). Исследовано взаимодействие каликсаренгидроксиметилфосфоновой кислоты с поверхностью хроматографической насадки Hypersil CN. Установлено, что каликсаренгидроксиметилфосфоновая кислота характеризуется обратимой сорбцией на поверхности Hypersil CN. Константы связывания супрамолекулярных комплексов (23000 M-1 и 39000 M-1 для триптофана и N-aцетилтриптофанамида, соответственно) были рассчитаны из соотношения меж- ду коэффициентом емкости k’ молекулы Гостя и концентрацией каликсаренгидроксиметилфосфо­новой кислоты Хозяина в подвижной фазе. Значения свободных энергий Гиббса комплексов каликса­ренгидроксиметилфосфоновой кислоты с триптофаном и N-aцетил-триптофанамидом составили -24.84 и -26.15 кДж/моль, соответственно. Проведено молекулярное моделирование каликсаренгидрокси- метилфосфоновой кислоты и ее комплексов с триптофаном и N-aцетилтриптофанамидом (Hyper Chem, версия 8, силовое поле PM3). Отмечается, что супрамолекулярные комплексы могут стабилизироваться водородными связями, а также электростатическими, π-π, и сольватофобными взаимодействиями. Рассчитаны геометрические параметры энергетически минимизированных структур каликсаренгидроксиметилфосфоновой кислоты и ее комплексов с триптофаном и N-aцетилтриптофанамидом. Согласно расчетам показано, что процесс комплексообразования не меняет конформацию макроциклического остова каликсарена. Установлено, что значения KA повышаются со снижением Log P молекул Гостей.Методом ОФ ВЕРХ досліджено процес комплексоутворення типу Господар-Гість каліксаренгідрокси- метилфосфонової кислоти з триптофаном та N-aцетилтриптофанамідом у розчині H2O/MeCN (99/1) (насадка Hypersil CN, УФ-детектор, λ = 254 нм). Досліджено взаємодію каліксаренгідроксиметилфосфонової кислоти з поверхнею хроматографічної насадки Hypersil CN. Встановлено, що каліксаренгідроксиметилфосфонова кислота характеризується оберненою сорбцією на поверхні Hypersil CN. Кон- станти зв’язування супрамолекулярних комплексів (23000 M-1 і 39000 M-1 для триптофану і N-aцетилтриптофанаміду, відповідно) були розраховані із співвідношення між коефіцієнтом ємкості k’ молекули Гостя і концентрацією каліксаренгідроксиметилфосфонової кислоти Господаря в рухомій фазі. Значення вільних энергій Гіббса комплексів каліксаренгідроксиметилфосфонової кислоти з триптофаном і N-aце- тилтриптофанамідом складає -24.84 і -26.15 кДж/моль, відповідно. Здійснено молекулярне моделювання каліксаренгідроксиметилфосфонової кислоти і її комплексів з триптофаном і N-aцетилтриптофанамідом (Hyper Chem, версія 8, силове поле PM3). Супрамолекулярні комплекси можуть стабілізуватись водневими зв’язками, а також електростатичними, π-π, і сольватофобними взаємодіями. Розраховані геометричні параметри энергетично мінімізованих структур каліксаренгідроксиметилфосфонової кис- лоти та її комплексів з триптофаном і N-aцетилтриптофанамідом. Показано, що значення KA зрос­тають зі зниженням Log P молекул субстратів, а процес комплексоутворення не змінює конформації макроциклічного кістяка каліксарену

Two-Dimensional Molecular Patterning by Surface-Enhanced Zn-Porphyrin Coordination

In this contribution, we show how zinc-5,10,15,20-meso-tetradodecylporphyrins (Zn-TDPs) self-assemble into stable organized arrays on the surface of graphite, thus positioning their metal center at regular distances from each other, creating a molecular pattern, while retaining the possibility to coordinate additional ligands. We also demonstrate that Zn-TDPs coordinated to 3-nitropyridine display a higher tendency to be adsorbed at the surface of highly oriented pyrolytic graphite (HOPG) than noncoordinated ones. In order to investigate the two-dimensional (2D) self-assembly of coordinated Zn-TDPs, solutions with different relative concentrations of 3-nitropyridine and Zn-TDP were prepared and deposited on the surface of HOPG. STM measurements at the liquid-solid interface reveal that the ratio of coordinated Zn-TDPs over noncoordinated Zn-TDPs is higher at the n-tetradecane/HOPG interface than in n-tetradecane solution. This enhanced binding of the axial ligand at the liquid/solid interface is likely related to the fact that physisorbed Zn-TDPs are better binding sites for nitropyridines.

Photopolymerized micelles of diacetylene amphiphile: physical characterization and cell delivery properties:

A series of polydiacetylene (PDA) - based micelles were prepared from diacetylenic surfactant bearing polyethylene glycol, by increasing UV-irradiation times. These polymeric lipid micelles were analyzed by physicochemical methods, electron microscopy and NMR analysis. Cellular delivery of fluorescent dye suggests that adjusting the polymerization state is vital to reach the full in vitro potential of PDA-based delivery system

Rsc Adv

A Forster resonance energy transfer (FRET) system of semiconductor quantum dots and porphyrins represents a new promising photosensitizing tool for the photodynamic therapy of cancer. In this work, we demonstrate the ability of a non-covalent complex formed between commercial lipid-coated CdSe/ ZnS quantum dots (QD) bearing different terminal groups (carboxyl, amine or non-functionalized) and a second-generation photosensitizer, chlorin e(6) (Ce-6) to enter living HeLa cells with maintained integrity and perform FRET from two-photon excited QD to bound Ce-6 molecules. Spectroscopic changes, the highly efficient FRET, observed upon Ce-6 binding to QD, and remarkable stability of the QD-Ce-6 complex in different media suggest that Ce-6 penetrates inside the lipid coating close to the inorganic core of QD. Two-photon fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy (FLIM) on living HeLa cells revealed that QD-Ce-6 complexes localize within the plasma membrane and intracellular compartments and preserve high FRET efficiency (similar to 50%). The latter was confirmed by recovery of QD emission lifetime after photobleaching of Ce-6. The intracellular distribution pattern and FRET efficiency of QD-Ce-6 complexes did not depend on the charge of QD terminal groups. Given the non-covalent nature of the complex, its exceptional stability in cellulo can be explained by a combination of hydrophobic interactions and coordination of carboxyl groups of Ce6 with the ZnS shell of QD. These findings suggest a simple route to the preparation of QD-photosensitizer complexes featuring efficient FRET and high stability in cellulo without using time-consuming conjugation protocols

In Vivo FRET Imaging to Predict the Risk Associated with Hepatic Accumulation of Squalene-Based Prodrug Nanoparticles.

Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) is used here for the first time to monitor the in vivo fate of nanoparticles made of the squalene-gemcitabine prodrug and two novel derivatives of squalene with the cyanine dyes 5.5 and 7.5, which behave as efficient FRET pair in the NIR region. Following intravenous administration, nanoparticles initially accumulate in the liver, then they show loss of their integrity within 2 h and clearance of the squalene bioconjugates is observed within 24 h. Such awareness is a key prerequisite before introduction into clinical settings.journal article2018 Feb2017 11 30importedSupporting information : librement accessible sur le site de l'éditeur

Pathogenic variants of sphingomyelin synthase SMS2 disrupt lipid landscapes in the secretory pathway

Sphingomyelin is a dominant sphingolipid in mammalian cells. Its production in the trans-Golgi traps cholesterol synthesized in the ER to promote formation of a sphingomyelin/sterol gradient along the secretory pathway. This gradient marks a fundamental transition in physical membrane properties that help specify organelle identify and function. We previously identified mutations in sphingomyelin synthase SMS2 that cause osteoporosis and skeletal dysplasia. Here, we show that SMS2 variants linked to the most severe bone phenotypes retain full enzymatic activity but fail to leave the ER owing to a defective autonomous ER export signal. Cells harboring pathogenic SMS2 variants accumulate sphingomyelin in the ER and display a disrupted transbilayer sphingomyelin asymmetry. These aberrant sphingomyelin distributions also occur in patient-derived fibroblasts and are accompanied by imbalances in cholesterol organization, glycerophospholipid profiles, and lipid order in the secretory pathway. We postulate that pathogenic SMS2 variants undermine the capacity of osteogenic cells to uphold nonrandom lipid distributions that are critical for their bone forming activity.Peer reviewe

Org Biomol Chem

A new fluorescent label N-[4'-(dimethylamino)-3-hydroxyflavone-7-yl]-N-methyl-beta-alanine () was synthesized. Due to two electron donor groups at the opposite ends of the chromophore, an excited state intramolecular proton transfer (ESIPT) resulting in a dual emission was observed even in highly polar media and its fluorescence quantum yield was found to be remarkably high in a broad range of solvents including water. As a consequence, this label exhibits a remarkable sensitivity to the hydration of its environment, which is observed as a color switch between the emission of the ESIPT product (T* form) and that of the normal N* form. The label was coupled to the N-terminus of penetratin, a cell penetrating peptide, in order to study its interactions with lipid membranes and internalization inside the cells. As expected, the binding of penetratin to lipid membranes resulted in a dramatic switch in the relative intensity of its two emission bands as compared to its emission in buffer. Our studies with different lipid compositions confirmed the preference of penetratin to lipid membranes of the liquid disordered phase. After incubation of low concentrations of labeled penetratin with living cells, ratiometric imaging revealed, in addition to membrane-bound species, a significant fraction of free peptide in cytosol showing the characteristic emission from aqueous medium. At higher concentrations of penetratin, mainly peptides bound to cell membrane structures were observed. These observations confirmed the ability of penetratin to enter the cytosol by direct translocation through the cell plasma membrane, in addition to the classical entry by endocytosis. The present probe constitutes thus a powerful tool to study the interaction of peptides with living cells and their internalization mechanisms